ASU football: 10 standout performers

Here are 10 who I think stood out, based on where they were in the spring (listed in alphabetical order):

Omar Bolden, junior, cornerback.

He's been solid all camp, and a leader, too. Coach Dennis Erickson thinks this is the best Bolden has played since he arrived in Tempe.

Deveron Carr, sophomore, cornerback.

You'd never know that Carr missed spring practice recovering from a shoulder injury. He started opposite Bolden on the first day of camp, and for the most part hasn't slipped. Consistent and effective.

Alden Darby, freshman, cornerback.

Yes, another corner. Darby went from a freshman no one was talking about to a freshman who likely will play. Most days he lines up with the third team, but the Sun Devils have given him reps on their first-team nickel defense.

Dan Knapp, junior, tackle.

Probably the surprise of camp. Knapp, a tight end since high school, moved to the offensive line after spring practice and moved to first-team left tackle about a week later. Along with right guard Brice Schwab, he brings a toughness the line has lacked.

Deantre Lewis, freshman, running back.

Lewis had high expectations coming out of Norco (Calif.) High and he hasn't disappointed. Great vision with a natural ability to make defenders miss. He still has to work on pass protection, but it's a fair assumption that Lewis will get touches despite his young age.

Jamarr Robinson, senior, defensive end.

Erickson thinks Robinson, who suffered a major knee injury in 2007, has the potential to be a solid pass rusher. He also called Robinson one of the team's hardest workers in the weight room.

T.J. Simpson, junior, receiver.

Another guy who didn't participate in spring drills because of injury. Another guy who has responded. With ASU's receiving depth, it's impossible to predict how many catches Simpson will get, but mark him down for a few big plays.

William Sutton, sophomore, defensive tackle.

After Sutton harassed his quarterbacks in last week's scrimmage, Erickson said the sophomore might have had the best camp of all ASU's defensive tackles. Given the Sun Devils' depth, that's high praise. Sutton credits his off-season weight loss (around 30 pounds) for his strong play.

Max Tabach, senior, safety.

Finally recovered -- mentally and physically -- from a knee injury two years ago, Tabach has brought a physical element to the defensive backfield, where there's competition. He's gotten some first-team reps the past couple days.

Mike Willie, junior, receiver.

At 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, Willie is physical enough and strong enough to break tackles. And his hands are pretty good, too.